Process modularity of mass customized manufacturing systems: principles, measures and assessment

Process modularity in terms of mass customized manufacturing is considered as a key criterion in designing process architecture. The impact of process modularity on effectiveness of mass customized can be almost predicted based upon experience with traditional mass production. This study firstly analyses relationship between product modularity and process modularity. Then, in order to identify possible tolls for process modularity management, potential process modularity indices are compared and assessed on testing examples. Subsequently, theoretical principles for designing manufacturing and assembly process structures are formulated. The results showed that management of process architecture in mass customized environment might not be conducted in isolation from management of product development.